My Mother's Love

By Mick Voiles


For as long as I can remember when I was ready to say goodbye to my Mother, whether I was on the phone or with her in-person, I would tell my Mom that I loved her and she would say I Love You Too! Then something happened a few years ago. I was leaving for home and I said Bye Mom, I Love You and this time her quick response was I Love You More! I remember being caught off guard the first time she used I Love You More. I thought What's with my Mom trying to one up me? How could LOVE be measured between two people and why would my Mother be so sure that she has more love in her heart for me than I have for her? Then I overheard her say the same response of I Love You More to my brothers, my children, my cousins, my Aunts, my nieces this is crazy. My Mother believes that she loves everyone more than they love her. What's up with that? 

When I look back at my life with my Mother I find many positive words and examples that demonstrate the many acts of Love that my Mother has shown to me. Some of those are thoughtfulness, caring, strong, dependable, beautiful, loyal, strong-willed, trustworthy, outspoken, child of God, good cook, over protective, best friend, inspirational, big heart, nurturing, unselfish, dependable, and many many more. 

I would like to share three of her positive traits that stood out the most to me with my warped examples for each.

She had unconditional love- like the time when I was a senior in high school and she would not let me go to an all night party at a friend's house. After trying to convince her (and Dad) through the usual tactics of negotiating, I turned to a new, more aggressive backup strategy. I started using inappropriate language and when that did not work I moved to threatening to leave home. Much to my surprise they were OK with that idea (actually I think my Dad may have taken lead with the approval and he even offered to help me pack my bags). So I told my parents I am moving out, packed one bag, I went to the party. Two days later I returned home with my tail between my legs. This is when that unconditional love was evident, especially since my parents acted as if the whole incident never happened which was OK with me. By the way, I also think my Mother had a superpower seeing the future or reading my mind because I am sure she knew from the beginning that the activities that did take place at that party were not acceptable. 

She was always Devoted, especially to keeping peace in the house. My two much older brothers took turns picking on me from age 6 to around 13. I could not walk by either of them without a sucker punch to my gut or arm. One time Rick hit me so hard in the Kitchen that my backward fall broke out the glass panel in the door. That incident paled in comparison to when one morning Mom was cooking breakfast for me and my brothers when Rick chose to standup from the table. In that instant I quickly grabbed a steak knife and threw it at his head. Rick and I were shocked and impressed when the knife actually stuck in the door frame 6 inches by his head. Do you know hard it is to throw a knife across a room and get it to stick in the wall? Later I thanked God for helping me miss the target of my brother's face? Well, as my brothers and I started marveling over this incident our Mother turned from cooking the bacon on the stove to discover what had just taken place behind her back. That's when we witnessed our mild, quiet Mother transform into a fiery, red-headed monster.  She went ballistic shouting and preaching how you boys are all going to kill each other one day. Bottom-line is through all of our brotherly squabbles my Mother's Motherly Devotion kept the body count to zero and none of her sons has any noticeable war wounds or scars. 

My Mother was Generous and also was a professional shopper. I think her material addiction, mainly for clothes and shoes, came from her being dirt poor when she grew up. Both of my parents worked all their lives so the dual incomes helped my Mother developed skills on how to find deals and share with the family. Every closet, under every bed, and in her basement held the rewards of her ventures. When someone's birthday came around and my Mom could not go shopping with them, then she could reach into the stash and offer up something she had purchased 2 years prior that is just their size. It always amazed me on the depth of her inventory in such a small house. I really became respectful for my Mother's shopping skills, especially when I went to my first, and last, Downtown Dayton Day Sale when I was 8 years old. This event was heralded every year as the one day where all merchandise was marked down to ridiculous prices for the downtown stores only. My Mother's pep talk prior to the doors opening was to stay next to her no matter what. What I remember from that day stills haunts me in my sleep. All the women shoppers were crowded around the entrances, jockeying for the best position for when the doors were unlocked. I quickly realized that if I did not keep hold of my Mother's dress I may get lost and be homeless for life. The doors then opened like gates at the Kentucky Derby and almost all of the women were running to their target departments. I have never seen my Mother move so fast. Women were pushing, shoving, clothes literally being grabbed away from other people's hands and merchandise being tossed in general direction of the tables they were pulled from with many of them falling off tables. It seemed like no one was polite and I was witnessing my first ransacking of a store during a riot. And to my surprise my Mother was obviously the leader in this DD-Day event positioning her body in defensive positions to block out her competitors and wrestling items away from other's grasp. But at the end of the day my Mother and I walked away with more bags than we could carry, restocking her home stash for others to receive. God Bless my Mother's generosity and her energy in keeping our family clothed.

So when I assess my Mother's Love for me I discover there is no way possible to measure it. I want to say Thank You Mother for leaving me with the memories and values that really matter. Now as I remember your voice saying I Love You More I am reminded of the depth of your Generosity, your Devotion, and your Unconditional Love and it warms my soul.

Mother, I Love You!

I loved her even if I did not see her much in the tine she was alive and I will never forget her in my heart it was hard for me to know she is gone but I know one day I will see her

Praying for the Voiles family ... I will never forget my Great Aunt Rachel.

RIP Rachel.  You will be missed dearly.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time.

On behalf of Local 1040 U.A. W. Retirees Chapter of Dayton / Apex Machine and Tool Co.  We send our condolences to the Voiles family. RIP Rachel, as you tough the face of GOD.    David M Johnson, V P Retirees Chapter Local 1040 U.A.W. Union and David Fecke President Local 1040 U.A.W. Chapter.

My family lived right behind the Voiles family, so her sons and my sister, brother and I all grew up together, we especially me had some wonderful memories of Rachel and of Leon they were a great family. Rachel loved her boys and she was always such a beautiful lady. I am sure she will be missed by her friends and family...Love and prayers going out to the family always...Barb Berzeny

You were the best grandma anyone could ever wish for. You were the definition of selfless.  I love you so much.  I'll always be your "Tiger". I'll see you on the other side.

Rachel was my sister Terrie's mother-in-law, and I will always remember her spunky spirit and sweet smile. Our love and prayers for Mick, Jason and Jessie,  and all of the Voiles.

Aunt Rachel will join our family loved ones, what a reunion they will have.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

OBITUARY

Rachel Fowler Voiles

1 July, 1924 – 18 July, 2015

Tobias Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel

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